Burbank, CA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shared Cost
- CA Civil Code 841
- Spite Fence
- >10 ft = nuisance (CC 841.4)
- Exception Permit
- Available for non-standard requests
- Side/Rear Max
- 6 ft standard
Summary
CA Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires shared cost for boundary fences. Burbank allows fence exception permits for disputes. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code 841.4.
841. (a) Adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility for maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them. (b)(1) Adjoining landowners are presumed to share an equal benefit from any fence dividing their properties and, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in a written agreement, shall be presumed to be equally responsible for the reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or necessary replacement of the fence. (2) Where a landowner intends to incur costs for a fence described in paragraph (1), the landowner shall give 30 days' prior written notice to each affected adjoining landowner.
Full Breakdown
Burbank's fence ordinance applies equally to all property owners sharing a boundary. Fences erected before the ordinance's effective date are grandfathered as long as they were compliant at the time of construction. For shared boundary fences, California Civil Code Section 841 governs cost-sharing obligations between adjacent property owners. Side and rear fences up to 8 feet do not require setbacks from the property line. Front fences follow the 3-foot limit with open design requirements above 2 feet. Disputes over shared fences may be resolved through mediation or civil court.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement is complaint-based. About two dozen residents annually are found in violation, most resolving by trimming hedges or adjusting fence heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Burbank?
What are the rules about shared fences in Burbank?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
California rules heatmap·Compare Burbank to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Neighbor Fence Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle neighbor fence rules.